The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Department of Environmental Conservation Monday announced the state's response to help the State of Maryland eradicate the Emerald Ash Borer, a destructive invasive forest health pest that causes a high rate of mortality in infested native ash trees.

In August 2006, Maryland officials confirmed the presence of the EAB, which was believed to be introduced by a shipment of EAB infested ash trees from Michigan in 2003 in violation of that state's quarantine. In December 2006, the Maryland Department of Agriculture asked neighboring states for assistance in conducting an inventory of ash trees, identifying infested trees and assisting with the removal of infested trees. A contingent of 11 New York horticulture inspectors and 17 New York foresters will be working with their counterparts in Maryland to quickly isolate and remove infested trees.

New York's participation will provide Maryland with experienced plant pest regulatory officials knowledgeable in tree identification, the target pest and landowner interactions. In return, New York inspectors and foresters will have the opportunity to observe an actual EAB infestation and gain valuable knowledge and experience that will enhance the surveillance and early detection of this pest in New York State.

The State's Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Program has targeted the EAB as an invasive pest with a high probability for introduction into New York State. Last year, State Horticultural Inspectors established 44 EAB sentinel trees to survey in 15 counties. All of the sentinel trees were inspected and found negative for this pest. Surveys will continue under the CAPS program in 2007 with the establishment of 60 to 80 sentinel trees and an emphasis in counties in Western New York.

In addition, New York's Invasive Species Task Force is helping to coordinate the state's investigation of and response to the threat of EAB and other invasive species. Governor Spitzer's Executive Budget proposes record funding of $5 million to support these invasive species efforts.